CRCC Press Release for Jan. 10, 2012

Getting back in the grove after the holidays, the Crofton Regional Community Center (CRCC) has rolled up its sleeves and is working hard on the Jan. 11 Board of Directors Meeting, the next general meeting at Ledo's Restaurant on Feb. 1, the next newsletter, and the Sweetheart's Ball on Feb. 18. The web site continues to make improvements, adding new features.

Everyone is energized and eager to make 2012 the most successful year so far. We all feel that we have laid a very sound foundation of volunteers, fundraisers and grants so that we can grow by leaps and bounds in 2012.

The year 2011 was a busy and exciting year for the CRCC. It would be impossible to list all the events that took place, but the following is a summarized version of our history. Behind the scenes are always many meetings and phone calls happening.

There were several general meetings open to the public, in 2011. The crowds continue to grow each time.

Nicki Mayo at Crofton Patch has been a big supporter, as well as the Capital/Gazette newspaper, and have generously supported us all year long. We can never thank them enough.

The list of local businesses who have supported us keeps growing also. We are so grateful to Impressive Promotional Products, Minuteman Press, Visual Concepts photographic studio, Nautilus Diner, Ledo's Restaurant, Blue Dolphin Restaurant, Crofton Country Club, Fusia Restaurant, Hair Experience, and others, to name a few.

February 19, 2011: Sweetheart's Ball at the Blue Dolphin Restaurant's banquet room. In spite of the local brush and forest fires, power outages, and passing thunderstorms, the event survived all odds and was a success and a memorable experience for all who attended. The silent auction items were all a big hit.

March 16, 2011: CRCC Board of Directors meeting at Essex Bank was well attended.

April 30, 2011: CRCC sponsored a table at the Crofton Arts and Crafts Fair. CRCC tee-shirts were on sale, and numerous free items distributed. The raffle of a giant stuffed iguana was a big attraction. Also attracting many people was the drawing of the proposed community center itself.

May, 2011: The CRCC was a part of the Crofton Memorial Day parade.

June 15, 2011: Crofton Night at the Baysox was a fun night to celebrate the finish of the school year. A skateboard was raffled off, making the winner a very happy fellow. 

August 2, 2011: Night Out Against Crime was a huge success and the CRCC worked hard to help make it so. There was a CRCC table there, plus a skate demonstration arranged by CRCC member Eric Tedrow. Despite the brutal heat and humidity, everyone wore smiles. Music, free food, ice-cream and drinks and a Maryland State Police K-9 demonstration added to the fun.

Sept. 24, 2011: The CRCC hosted a table at the Crofton Arts and Crafts Fair. Raffle tickets for e-readers were sold, items given away free, and a chance for free photo sessions and pictures with a donation to the CRCC from Visual Concepts. 

Nov. 4, 2011: The greater Chamber of Commerce held their Awards Night at the Crofton Country Club where nine non-profit groups gave out their awards to their Citizens of the Year. The CRCC gave their award to Brian McCann, who co-owns the Blue Dolphin Restaurant for not only how he has repeatedly helped the CRCC but also for his many other contributions to others in the area. 

Nov. 12, 2011: The 2nd Annual Book Lover's Auction at the Blue Dolphin's Restaurant added an Antique Car Show in their parking lot to this. There was also a Children's Festival outside. 17 authors attended in person and thousands of books were part of the silent auction inside. Food and beverages were offered to all.

I urge you all to remember that this community center is FOR the community and will be built BY the community. No one else is going to build it and if each person gave only a little towards the building of it, it would be built that much faster. It's YOUR community center. Please, watch us grow in 2012!

The Crofton Regional Community Center is a tax-free, non-profit organization formed to open a community center and a skate park in Crofton. The website is at www.croftonregionalcommunitycenter.net. The Facebook fan page is at www.facebook.com/theCRCC. Email comments and questions to Donna Doyle at doyle1718@comcast.net.